7:42 AM Fri 17 Apr 2009 GMT
The International 470 Class is expanding its Sailor Development Programmes with the launch of the 'You Can Help' programme and the continuation of the 'International 470 Solidarity Programme'.
The 'You Can Help' programme aims to secure donations of 470 equipment for sailors from emerging sailing nations. Underpinning the key Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, it is hoped that the 'You Can Help' programme will benefit young sailors around the world, not only by providing valuable equipment but by motivating those sailors to be part of the world-wide sailing family.
'You Can Help' other sailors improve their sailing by giving them the opportunity to sail the 470 and use better equipment. Equipment donations may be made at major International 470 Class Events and the International 470 Class will make arrangements for onwards distribution. If you would like to know more about the 'You Can Help' programme or to donate equipment, please contact office@470.org
More information at: www.470.org/Donation-of-Used-Equipment
The 'International 470 Solidarity Programme' aims to increase the number of nations competing in the 470 by promoting the 470 in those nations where there is enthusiasm to participate but where other difficulties may hinder the sailors from competing internationally.
Sponsored by Olimpic Sails?, the 'International 470 Solidarity Programme' provides new sails free of charge and discounts on sails, entry fee subsidies for World or European Championships and training and promotional materials.
There are a number of nations where the interest in 470 sailing is strong, but due to reasons such as lack of funds, national events, coaches or equipment the sailors are unable to compete overseas.
Sailors from such nations are eligible to apply for the 'International 470 Solidarity Programme'. Applications should be received by 1 May 2009.
More information and applications forms are available at: www.470.org/Solidarity-Programme
It's not just the sailors participating in the International 470 Class Championships who reap the rewards of the 'International 470 Solidarity Programme', as from a national perspective the sailors are able to gain valuable experience that can subsequently be shared amongst their fellow sailors.
Other 470 Sailor Development Programmes
The International 470 Class Association Sailor Development Programme also incorporates the Junior Support Programme, the Andr? Cornu Grant and the Olympic Pathway Solidarity Grant:
Junior Support Programme - introduced in 2005, the programme focuses support on the youngest crews who have competed at the 470 Junior World Championships (under 22 years) by providing a financial donation for the sailors in their future campaign.
Andr? Cornu Grant - introduced in 2005 in tribute to the designer of the 470 Class, Andr? Cornu, the grant is awarded each year to the winners of the boys' and girls' two person dinghy events at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, to support them to compete in either the 470 Class Junior World Championship or the 470 Class World Championship in the following season.
Olympic Pathway Solidarity Grant - launched by the International 470 Class Association at the end of 2006, the grant provides support to talented 470 sailors who have Olympic ambitions and abilities but face financial constraints, with the provision of charter equipment, training and shipping subsidies.
About the International 470 Class - The International 470 Class is the class of boat used for both the men's two person and women's two person dinghy events at the Olympic Games. Used as Olympic equipment since 1976, where the class was sailed as an open event before the introduction of separate events for men and women in 1988, the 470 is sailed in more than 61 nations around the world.
A strict one design class, the 470 has proved its pedigree as an Olympic class, being a high performance sailing dinghy suitable for body weights from all continents and to performing across a wide range of weather conditions. Across the 9 Olympic Games in which the 470 Class has been raced, more than 18 different nations have secured Olympic medals in the men's and women's events, demonstrating the depth of participation and talent.
by Luissa Smith
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